AWARD YEAR
2023
CATEGORY
Community
GOALS
Clean Water & Sanitation, Life Below Water
KEYWORDS
soap, probiotic
COUNTRY
Peru
DESIGNED BY
Andea
WEBSITE
https://en.proyectoawa.com
AWA
Probiotic soap keep rivers clean in Peru
How does it work?
After a two-year investigation together with a great team of engineers, chemists and biologists (Cirsys), we found a unique microorganism capable of generating probiotics that feed on the pollutants of the river. We put these microorganisms in bars of laundry soap. We intervene in the soap formula to make it eco-friendly and so that the soap can properly hold our probiotics, without damaging them or reducing their effectiveness. After several tests, we were able to convert a common laundry soap into a product to decontaminate river water. During the natural washing process, soap releases particles that fall into the water; in these cases, they fall into the river.
Why is it needed?
In Peru and different parts of the world, there is still the habit of washing clothes in rivers. This tradition is part of the cultural heritage that we received from the Incas, several centuries ago.
Going out to wash the family's clothes on the banks of the rivers is also a moment of relaxation and socialization among the women of the villages. It is during these moments when they have the space to discuss intimate issues with each other and comment on personal or family situations.
Unfortunately, the bar soap they use to wash the clothes ends up spilling into the river and contaminating it. The biggest problem is that the rivers where they wash are their main source of life since they also extract the water to drink, wash their food, and it is also in the rivers where children play.
This causes the water they drink to be dirty, unconsciously causing various diseases or stomach infections.
How does it improve life?
Thanks to the formula of our soap, the falling particles adhere to the stones and algae, decontaminating the river even moments after washing.